There’s nothing quite like the sweet and nutty aroma of brown butter mingling with tender, spiced apples. These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a delicious twist on traditional blondies, combining the warmth of caramelized butter with the tart sweetness of apples. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these blondies will surely satisfy. Read on for the full recipe, complete with helpful tips and variations to make these bars just perfect every time!

What are Brown Butter Apple Blondies?
Brown Butter Apple Blondies are rich, chewy bars that combine the nutty depth of browned butter with the natural sweetness of apples. Blondies are similar to brownies, but instead of relying on cocoa or chocolate, they get their flavor from brown sugar and butter. In this version, browning the butter adds a warm, toasty flavor, while apples provide a fresh, fruity contrast. A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavors, making these blondies the perfect dessert for fall or any time you crave a comforting baked good.
Ingredients List for Brown Butter Apple Blondies
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 1-2 medium apples)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup caramel sauce for drizzling
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about blondies is how versatile they are! You can easily swap ingredients or add extra flavors to suit your preferences.
- Apples: Any firm, slightly tart apple variety works well. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome twist, but keep in mind this will make the blondies denser. You can also try a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
- Nuts: If you prefer blondies without nuts, you can omit them entirely or replace them with dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture.
- Sugar: You can substitute coconut sugar or maple sugar for a more natural sweetness. Keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, but the blondies will still be delicious.
- Spices: Feel free to add other warming spices like cloves or allspice for an extra layer of fall flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To make Brown Butter Apple Blondies, follow these easy steps to ensure your blondies come out soft, chewy, and full of rich flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. You can sprinkle the apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning if you are prepping them in advance.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter begins to foam and turns a golden brown color. The milk solids will start to brown, and you’ll notice a nutty aroma. Be sure to watch the butter closely to prevent burning. Once browned, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the butter cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These dry ingredients will provide the structure and spice to your blondies.
Step 5: Mix the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the blondies tough. Gently fold in the diced apples and any additional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake the Blondies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the blondies are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the blondies cool in the pan before slicing.
How to Cook Brown Butter Apple Blondies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Peel and dice the apples.
- Step 2: Brown the butter by melting it and cooking it until golden and fragrant.
- Step 3: Mix the browned butter with sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
- Step 4: Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 5: Combine the wet and dry ingredients, fold in apples, and add-ins.
- Step 6: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, then cool before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the Butter: Browning butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Keep an eye on the butter as it melts and stir constantly to avoid burning. Once it reaches a golden brown color, remove it from the heat immediately.
- Overmixing the Batter: After combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough blondies instead of soft, chewy bars.
- Underbaking or Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Underbaking will result in gooey, undercooked blondies, while overbaking can make them dry and crumbly. Use the toothpick test to ensure they’re baked to perfection.
- Not Letting the Blondies Cool: Resist the temptation to cut into the blondies right away. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes so they set properly and are easier to slice.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Blondies are best served slightly warm, allowing the brown butter and apple flavors to shine. Here are some ways to serve and present your Brown Butter Apple Blondies:
How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Blondies
- Serve them plain as a snack or dessert.
- Warm them up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a light, elegant finish.
Presentation Ideas for Brown Butter Apple Blondies
- Cut into Squares: Slice the blondies into small squares or rectangles for an easy-to-eat, classic presentation.
- Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the blondies in a criss-cross pattern for a beautiful look.
- Add a Sprinkle of Cinnamon: Lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top for added flavor and a lovely rustic look.
- Serve on a Rustic Wooden Board: Present the blondies on a wooden board with a side of fresh apple slices for a farm-to-table vibe.
Brown Butter Apple Blondie Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work best as they hold their shape and add a nice contrast to the sweet, rich batter.
- Don’t Overbake: Start checking the blondies around the 25-minute mark. Overbaked blondies can become dry, so it's better to err on the side of slightly underbaked for a fudgier texture.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs at room temperature blend more easily into the batter, helping to create a smooth, consistent texture.
- Add Mix-ins Sparingly: If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, don’t overdo it—about ½ cup of mix-ins is plenty so that the apples and browned butter remain the stars of the show.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Yes, these blondies store well. You can make them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes! Pears work wonderfully in place of apples, offering a similar texture and flavor. You can also experiment with berries or peaches, though they will introduce more moisture to the blondies.
What type of apples should I use?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this recipe due to their firmness and balance of sweet and tart flavors. You can also try Braeburn or Pink Lady apples for slight variations.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may differ slightly, but they should still come out delicious.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Apple Blondies are a delightful twist on classic blondies, featuring the nutty richness of browned butter and the fruity sweetness of apples. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Customize with your favorite nuts or drizzle with caramel for added indulgence. These blondies are the perfect fall dessert but can be enjoyed all year round. Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get baking!
PrintBrown Butter Apple Blondies Recipe
These Brown Butter Apple Blondies are rich and flavorful, combining caramelized apples with nutty brown butter in a moist, chewy blondie base. The perfect autumn treat with warm spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 blondies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (browned)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups diced apples (peeled)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 baking dish.
- In a pan, melt and brown butter until golden and nutty. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and browned butter.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix until combined.
- Stir in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- Fold in diced apples.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
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